but in general, we serve schools/teams within the red circle.
WHO WE ARE
GLASRA is one of many local referee groups from around the state affiliated with the Michigan Soccer Association (MSA) and the US Soccer Federation (USSF). Our membership includes youth and adult referees living in the greater Lansing area (see map below). We were established in 1977, and today are one of the largest chapters in Michigan. We are a not-for-profit organization.
WHO WE SERVE... WHAT WE DO
GLASRA has three main functions:
GLASRA provides referees for a very competitive level of soccer... a major step up from the "community" or "recreational" level. Our referees must be well prepared (in both knowledge and attitude) before they begin officiating.
Send us an email... tell us about your interest and experience, if any. Someone will reply promptly.
All new candidates must attend a clinic, usually held on two consecutive Saturdays. At the conclusion of the clinic, a 100-question multiple-choice test is given.
An annual fee must be paid at the end of the clinic, if you wish to take the test. To stay eligible, you MUST attend a five-hour recertification clinic each year.
Annual fees
A separate registration must be completed and an annual fee paid to the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Contact the MHSAA for registration information (a late fee is assessed for failing to re-register before July). High school matches assigned by GLASRA are offered only to referees who are registered with the MHSAA.
The web based assigning program "Arbiter" is used for all match scheduling.
Each official is responsible for updating their availability, and regularly
checking their Arbiter account. You will be prompted via e-mail when games have
been assigned to you. Each official is responsible for accepting or declining
each match in the stated time frame.
Matches are assigned by a certified assignor ("scheduler"), and are based on your availability for matches and our informal
judgment of your background and experience. Most new officials are assigned as Assistant Referees (ARs), formerly called "Linesmen," on younger USSF age divisions. As time goes on, you will receive more challenging assignments based on your performance, including a good record in honoring assignments you are given, properly wearing the adopted uniform, and overall game management.
Our local USSF youth league usually includes age divisions U-9, U-10, U-11, U-12, U-13, U-14, U-16, and U-19 ("U" means "Under" this age). We rarely assign you to matches where the players are older than you.
NOTE - The GLASRA Executive Board does not oppose GLASRA officials working matches for the SoccerZone, The Summit, or similar businesses. However, please keep in mind... when you choose to officiate a match that is not sanctioned by GLASRA, you are neither governed by GLASRA policies nor covered by any USSF benefits. In case of injury or legal proceedings arising from your performance as the soccer official, you are on your own... GLASRA and USSF are not involved. If you have questions regarding this or any other GLASRA policy, please contact us.
GETTING PAID
All GLASRA referees are "independent contractors," and are "self-employed" for tax purposes. As an independent contractor, you are always responsible for paying any taxes owed to federal, state or local government for compensation received as a soccer official. Consult a reliable tax expert if you have questions about paying taxes on income made while officiating soccer.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
You must obtain the proper uniform and equipment before you begin to referee matches for GLASRA. How you look is very important. As a certified USSF referee, you have a professional obligation to look the part (see our "Links" page for vendors).
ASSESSMENTS / EVALUATIONS / UPGRADES / FEEDBACK
GLASRA wants to help you improve as referees and assistant referees. It's easy to feel that you're not being noticed out there. We now have more options available for observing matches... by your fellow referees. They range from low-key "evaluations" to formal USSF "assessments."
GLASRA now has five USSF certified assessors (Gary Garbarino, Dean Kimmith, Marc Lawrence and Brent Sorg). Our goal is to help you improve your matches, not to criticize. We'll leave the yelling to fans and coaches.
In the beginning, we'll probably just come out randomly and watch you do some matches. This may occur on either a USSF or high school match. We'll always let you know we're out there (before the match if possible). You'll get brief post-match comments from us and a written report either on-the-spot or in the mail later.
If you're looking for just an informal evaluation or a more formal USSF assessment, feel free to contact any one of us. We'll set it up.
GLASRA wants to help you sharpen your skills and get to wherever it is you want to go!